This review is a one of a kind. SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 is the latest output of the Novell creative team, and isn't due for release for over a year. Obtaining a copy, I have tried this bad boy out. I have also tried SuSE Linux 10.1, the latest stable release from openSuSE.org.
Here is what Novell have to say about SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED 10):
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 enables organization to gain flexibility in their IT infrastructure, have greater control of their environment, improve end-user security and dramatically reduce operational costs. It is the only enterprise-quality Linux desktop on the market designed for general-purpose business. Developed and backed by Novell, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop provides market-leading usability, seamless interoperability with existing enterprise computer systems, and dozens of essential office applications.
Deployable as a general-purpose desktop platform or tailored for use in thin- or thick-client configurations with fixed function uses such as kiosks, cash registers, or for high-end engineering workstations, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop provides unparalleled levels of flexibility for desktop clients. With SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, businesses can dramatically reduce costs, improve end-user security, and increase workforce productivity.
And now my review:
SLED 10 offers little more than can be found in the current openSUSE Linux 10.1, which is free to download. It has much of the same graphics, and the same versions of software. But it does have the edge. 3D implementations of windows, allows for the window to be made into a cube. Also it features updated menus and Gnome, as well as Beagle. Beagle is seen by many as the rival to Microsoft's file sorting and searching engine.
The other aspects that set this apart from other versions of SuSE is the huge leaps made towards making things work out -of-the-box. The other day, a friend said that the trouble with most OS's of the Linux variety is that everything need configurations. Mp3, and media support, Wireless integration, File Management, graphics and monitor support, Full packages, TV Cards, and many other devices are all configured automatically and work out of the box. Wireless Internet took me 5 minutes to do what takes much longer and with more errors, in Fedora Core. I simply added the ndiswrapper package to my system using YaST, then i added the Windows drivers to ndiswrapper, and then i started the network manager and could configure my network using a GUI interface.
The beauty and appeal of SUSE, and for SLED 10, is obvious. It is simply sublime to look at. It just works, and there is such a great variety of available products as SUSE is an RPM based system. The negatives can be said to be that SUSE looks more like windows and functions like Windows. Another fact is that the repos and configurations for repositories is much harder then YUM or APT. This is nothing that hamper me much though, as i just download the RPM from the net, and then install using YaST and all works amazing. Overall, i am impressed, but will wait for the official product to be released, as this promises to bring more to the table then ever before.
By Adam "MAniX" Moreland
My name is MAniX. This is my website... Copyright © 2008 Adam "MAniX" Moreland, under the GNU/GPL
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